Pemberton’s St Joseph’s Primary School celebrates 70 year anniversary

An historic school in the South West has commemorated its 70th anniversary milestone by welcoming back its graduates from decades past to celebrate with staff and students of today. St Joseph’s Primary School community members united in recognition of seven decades of education on August 10, held to coincide with the celebration of St Mary of the Cross, who founded the school. In February 1952, St Joseph’s Primary School first opened it’s doors to 50 local children, where three sisters from the congregation of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart taught both primary and secondary classes. Fast forward 70 years later and the school now caters for 33 students between Pre-Primary and Year 6, providing a Catholic education for families in Pemberton and surrounding towns. The day commenced with a Mass at 10am led by Bishop Gerard Holohan, which was followed by a morning tea for former staff, students and guests in the school hall. Guests were brought into the hall by current students in the school hall, who melted their hearts with a welcome performance, before taking them on a tour and cutting the anniversary cake. Jack Bendotti, who was one of the first students in 1952 at age 12, was present to cut the cake alongside Sr Josephine Merks, who taught at the school from 1989 to 2002, and student respresentative, Annie Abraham. “The school has come a long way, you can’t visualise the change,” said Mr Bendotti. “The fantastic thing about schools is that they help integrate the community.” Four generations of Bendotti’s have attended the school for a period of time including Jack Bendotti’s son Gary and granddaughter Laura who were in attendance. St Joseph’s Primary School principal Ashlee De Campo said reaching 70 years was a milestone for the school and thanked everyone for attending, particularly past students and teachers who had “so many stories and strong memories to share”. Ms De Campo said that the school’s success was a testament to the parents, teachers and students, past and present.